Herpa 1:200 Wings 573290
Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird Diecast Model
USAF 9th SRW, #61-7956 Gumby, Beale AFB, CA |
| 1:200 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird | | 6.5" | | 3.25" |
As the very first SR-71 Blackbird, this SR-71B trainer with the raised rear cockpit was handed over to the U.S. Air Force on January 7, 1966 at Beale Air Force Base in California. Command did not like seeing special markings on the mostly secretly operating Mach 3-fast reconnaissance aircraft. Therefore, most of the artwork was applied when stationed overseas, before returning to their main base at Beale on US soil - and they were usually drawn with chalk so that they would quickly fade away again during the flight. The drawing of Gumby, a clay figure from a popular children's show of the 1960s and 70s, was one of many such temporary artwork created by using chalk. This main character of the show of the same name was in this case only applied to the right stabilizer of this Blackbird. After the Blackbirds were decommissioned in 1990, this SR-71B trainer and two other SR-71A operational aircraft were loaned to NASA for projects to research future supersonic and hypersonic technologies. As the last remaining SR-71B, the still impressive aircraft can be admired today at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in Michigan. Designed as a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, The Lockheed SR-71 first flew on December 22, 1964. Nicknamed "The Blackbird," this highly-advanced aircraft was believed by many to be ahead of its time. It was capable of mach 3 and still holds the record for the fastest "air breathing manned aircraft" in the world. Its speed and ability to operate at high altitudes served as a defensive feature; when attacked by surface-to-air missiles, the pilot needed only to accelerate to avoid being struck. Only 32 SR-71's were operated during its 34-year service history, and though 12 were destroyed in accidents none were lost to enemy attack. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The Herpa "1:200 Wings" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of civilian and military aircraft in 1:200 scale. Herpa "1:200 Wings" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Permanently extended landing gear with non-rotating wheels.
- Some releases feature interchangeable open/closed canopies.
- Authentic fixed ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
